Embed from Getty Images The 2019 Detroit Lions season is close to being over. Mercifully. It has been a total disaster in the Motor City for the Lions players, coaches, front office and fan base. That is the bad. For a little pick-me-up, there are some building blocks that have shown themselves in spite of a bad season.
Defensive end: Trey Flowers, limited offseason reps lead to a slow start to the season for Flowers. As the season has moved along, Flowers has been the player the Lions expected they were getting when they signed him in free agency.
Wide Receiver: Kenny Golladay, a true big play threat. Golladay’s rookie contract is set to expire after the 2020 NFL season when he’ll be 27 years old. If Golladay he stays healthy, he’ll be in line for a massive extension. He is worth it.
Center: Frank Ragnow, a season after an up and down rookie year, Ragnow’s performance has taken a HUGE step forward in his second season. A powerful run blocker as well as above average pass protector, it could be argued Ragnow is Detroit’s only building block up front, unless the team resigns guard Graham Glasgow.
Safety: Tracy Walker, hindered by a knee injury off and on this season, Walker still leads the Lions in solo and total tackles, and is also top five in tackles for loss and pass breakups.
Tight End: T.J. Hockenson, Hockenson’s rookie season is over because of an ankle injury. While on the field T.J. averaged a paltry 21.5 receiving yards. His blocking, a selling point when is a work in progress. NFL rookie tight ends historically take a little time developing. Expect Hockenson to take a step forward next season.
Defensive tackle: Da’ Shawn Hand, while Hand does have some durability concerns, Hand has shown positional flexibility and athleticism provide optimism if the second year defensive lineman can shake injuries going forward.
Linebacker: Jahlani Tavai, Tavai, is a second round draft pick has been an ideal scheme fit for Detroit. Tavai, has shown enough flashes he can be a very solid linebacker for the Lions unless they change coach’s. Then it depends who comes in if he still fits a would be new defensive scheme.
